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Symbicort Turbohaler
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The active ingredients in the medication help the muscles in the airways to your lungs relax, keeping them open and making it easier for air to get in and out. The medication also contains corticosteroids which reduce swelling and irritation, to help you breathe more easily.
- Reduces inflammation in the lungs
- Effects last for 12 hours
- Easy to use
- Genuine medication
- All medication sourced in the UK
Customer Reviews
More information
A Pharmacist's Overview
NHS Senior Clinical Pharmacist, Irsalan Ahmed (MPharm) provides a simple explanation of the medication below:
'Symbicort can be used as both a preventer and reliever for treatment of asthma and contains ingredients which help reduce inflammation and associated symptoms such as wheeziness/breathlessness'.
If you think Symbicort is a treatment that can help you, start an online consultation now for a registered prescriber to review. If treatment is deemed suitable, they can prescribe it, and we can deliver it to you from the comfort of your own home with a range of convenient delivery and payment options for you to choose from. If you have any questions about a medication, you should always consult your doctor with any questions prior to starting treatment, to ensure that it is safe and suitable for you.
Buying Symbicort Online in the UK
How do I buy Symbicort online?
You can safely buy Symbicort online from UK Meds. Before your order is approved, you will need to complete an online consultation with a registered independent prescriber. This ensures that Symbicort is the right medication for your condition and that it is safe for you to use.
Once approved, your medication will be delivered to your door, offering a convenient and hassle-free way to get your treatment.
Symbicort - Key Information
What is Symbicort?
Symbicort is a prescription medication used to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including conditions like emphysema and chronic bronchitis. It helps people with breathing difficulties by reducing symptoms and preventing flare-ups.
How does Symbicort work?
Symbicort contains two active ingredients that work together to help you breathe more easily:
- A long-acting bronchodilator – Relaxes the muscles around the airways, keeping them open so that more air can flow in and out of the lungs.
- A corticosteroid – Reduces swelling and irritation in the lungs, making it easier to breathe.
For asthma patients, Symbicort helps prevent attacks of breathlessness. For COPD patients, it helps reduce the number of flare-ups.
What are the benefits of taking Symbicort?
- Improves breathing and reduces symptoms of asthma and COPD
- Prevents breathlessness and chest tightness
- Lasts for up to 12 hours, helping to keep airways open
- Can be used as both a maintenance and rescue inhaler, meaning it can help during sudden breathlessness as well as providing long-term control
This medication can make daily life easier for people with breathing conditions, giving them better control over their symptoms and helping them stay active and comfortable.
What do Symbicort users have to say?
Symbicort Reviews
Read first hand what other UK Meds customers think about Symbicort and it's impact on patients lives on our customer reviews above. For further context there are also a large selection of Symbicort reviews describing what people think about their experiences with the medication available at Drugs.com and Web MD.
It is important to note that people may have different experiences when they use Symbicort. If someone states that their medication did not work as they had hoped, it does not mean that it will not work for you. If you believe that it is the right medication for you then the best thing to do is to consult your doctor or healthcare professional, and judge the medication based on your own experiences if they recommend it as a treatment. Before starting a medication you should always consult with your healthcare provider first to ensure that it is safe and suitable for your individual needs.
Patient Information Leaflet
Usage Advice
How do I use Symbicort?
Symbicort is a prescription-only inhaler, so always follow your doctor’s advice and read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medication.
How to Use Symbicort Properly
Prepare the inhaler
- Hold it upright with the red grip at the bottom.
- Unscrew and remove the cover.
- Turn the red grip as far as it will go in one direction, then turn it back until it clicks—this loads the dose.
Inhale the medication
- Breathe out normally before using the inhaler.
- Place the mouthpiece between your teeth (without biting) and close your lips around it.
- Take a deep, strong breath in through your mouth and hold for 10 seconds.
- Remove the inhaler and breathe out gently.
- Close the cap after use.
Important Tips
- Do not shake the inhaler before using it.
- Rinse your mouth or brush your teeth after using Symbicort to avoid a strange taste, mouth thrush, or hoarseness.
Before starting, your doctor or nurse will show you how to use the inhaler properly, so make sure to follow their guidance to get the best results from your treatment.
Dosage
What is the recommended dosage?
Symbicort contains two active ingredients: budesonide (a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation) and formoterol fumarate dihydrate (a long-acting bronchodilator that helps open the airways). It is available in three strengths per dose:
- 100/6 micrograms
- 200/6 micrograms
- 400/12 micrograms
How Much Symbicort Should I Take?
The recommended dose depends on your condition (asthma or COPD) and whether you use Symbicort as your only inhaler or alongside a separate “rescue” inhaler.
For COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease):
- Take 2 inhalations, twice a day (morning and evening).
For Asthma (Long-Term Use Only):
- Take 1 or 2 inhalations, twice a day (as advised by your doctor).
- If necessary, your doctor may increase the dose to 4 inhalations, twice a day.
For Asthma (Dual Use – Daily & Emergency Relief):
- Take 2 inhalations per day (either at the same time or separately).
- If you have breathlessness, take 1 inhalation and wait a few minutes. If symptoms persist, take another.
- Do not take more than 6 inhalations at once.
Maximum Daily Limit:
Never exceed 12 inhalations within 24 hours. If you regularly need 8 or more inhalations per day, contact your doctor.
What If I Forget a Dose?
- Skip the missed dose and take the next one as scheduled.
- Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed inhalation.
What If I Take Too Much?
- If you accidentally take too much, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately.
- Symptoms of overdose may include fast heartbeat, dizziness, shakiness, weakness, or headache.
How Do I Know When My Inhaler Is Running Out?
Each time you use Symbicort, the dose counter will tick down.
- When the numbers turn red, it’s time to speak to your doctor and get a replacement inhaler.
Side effects & precautions
What warnings does the medication come with?
Before using Symbicort, always consult your doctor. You should not take this medication if:
- You are allergic to budesonide, formoterol, or any other ingredients in Symbicort.
Who Should Speak to Their Doctor Before Taking Symbicort?
Your doctor needs to know if you have:
- Diabetes
- A lung infection
- High blood pressure or any heart problems
- Thyroid or adrenal gland issues
- Low potassium levels in your blood
- Severe liver disease
Medications That May Interact with Symbicort
Symbicort may be affected by, or affect, other medicines. Speak to your doctor if you take any of the following:
Heart medications:
- Beta-blockers (e.g. atenolol, propranolol)
- Digoxin (for heart failure)
- Medicines for an irregular heartbeat
Other lung treatments:
- Steroid tablets (e.g. prednisolone)
- Other bronchodilators (e.g. salbutamol)
- Xanthine medicines (for asthma)
Mental health medications:
- Tricyclic antidepressants (e.g. amitriptyline)
- Phenothiazines (e.g. chlorpromazine, prochlorperazine)
Other medications:
- Medicines for HIV infections
- Medicines for Parkinson’s disease
- Thyroid treatments (e.g. levothyroxine)
- Medicines for bacterial infections
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
- Pregnant or breastfeeding? Speak to your doctor before taking Symbicort. It isn’t usually recommended unless your doctor believes it’s necessary.
What side effects can Symbicort have?
Like all medicines, Symbicort can cause side effects, but not everyone gets them. The most common side effects include:
- Palpitations (feeling your heartbeat)
- Trembling or shaking
- Thrush (a fungal infection) in the mouth
- Sore throat, coughing, or a hoarse voice
- Headaches
- Pneumonia (infections in COPD patients)
When to See a Doctor
- If your side effects persist or get worse, speak to your doctor.
- Seek urgent medical help if you experience:
- Worsening of breathing problems
- Fainting or dizziness
- Skin reactions (rash, swelling, itching)
Always follow your doctor’s advice and read the patient information leaflet before using Symbicort.
Sources:
Learn more with UK Meds support resources for Symbicort:
- Asthma Treatments Compared - Compare different treatment options available for managing asthma effectively.
- Is Ventolin Being Phased Out in the UK? - Find out if Ventolin inhalers are being phased out and what it means for asthma sufferers.
- Inhaler London: Buying Asthma Inhalers in London - Learn where to buy asthma inhalers in London.
- Inhaler Manchester: Buying Asthma Inhalers in Manchester - Discover where to purchase asthma inhalers in Manchester.
- Inhaler Belfast: Buying Asthma Inhalers in Belfast - Find out how to buy asthma inhalers in Belfast.
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